The Nippon Ham Fighters announced today that they were parting ways with Bobby Keppel. He will be returning tot the US on the Thursday.

Statement from Keppel provided by the Fighters:

My family and I became a member of the Fighters four years ago. I fell in love with Hokkaido from the moment I stepped foot into it. I wanted to stay here as long as I could, not just as a baseball player, but also as a member of the community. My family and I want to thank Hokkaido for providing us with a great time.

And to the fans. I always felt your support. I tried my best, but it seems it was not enough to help the team and for that I am sorry. I hope that I can continue to maintain some sort of relationship with you. I think the Fighters are a great organization and they found a wonderful home in Hokkaido.

Thanks to baseball, I was able to play for the Fighters. And through the Fighters, I was fortunate to meet all kinds of people.

I will never forget the children from Hokkaido University Hospital and the power they gave me.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all the support over the last four years.